Restaurant Visit: Bird Coffee in Osaka

We've been fans of the understated, handcrafted style of Truck Furniture since we first discovered their work a couple of years ago (see Furniture: Truck in Osaka). Founded in 1997 by husband and wife team Tokuhiko Kise and Hiromi Karatsu, the company moved into a newly expanded showroom and atelier at the end of last year. As part of the expansion, the couple opened Bird Coffee in a neighboring building, furnished in their own inimitable style, and of course with their own pieces of furniture. "There's nothing deliberate, pretentious, or overly designed about Truck furniture," Kise says. "We want the pieces to fit into a home and seem like it already has a history, evokes memories and looks a little humorous and is loved."

Above: A sampling of products available through Truck Zakka, a collection of household products and accessories.

Above: The 192-page Making Truck book includes photographs of the Truck showrooms and the couple's own living spaces; ¥1,800 (approximately $20) through Truck.